Overview of Crispy Fried Onion:
Crispy fried onion is a flavorful garnish used in many dishes like biryani, haleem, korma, and even salads. Making them at home is easy and budget-friendly.
⏱️ Time Required:
- Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes Cooking Time: 20–30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
🧅 Ingredients for Fried Onion:
- 4 large onions (white or red; thinly sliced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable or sunflower oil works best)
- Optional: 1 tbsp corn flour or rice flour (for extra crispiness)
🔪 Instructions for Fried Onion:
Step 1: Slice the Onions
- Peel and slice the onions very thinly and evenly. Use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife for consistent thickness.
- Spread the slices on a clean cloth or paper towel and let them air-dry for 10–15 minutes to reduce moisture.
- Optional: Lightly toss the slices in corn flour or rice flour for extra crunch.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- In a deep pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 325–350°F / 160–175°C).
- Use enough oil to allow the onions to float and fry evenly.
Step 3: Fry the Onions
- Add a handful of onions at a time —don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of fry.
- Stir frequently to ensure even browning.
- Fry until golden brown (10–12 minutes per batch). They will darken slightly after removal
Step 4: Drain and Cool
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried onions to a paper towel-lined tray.
- To cool fully, spread them out in a single layer.
- As they cool, they’ll become crispier.
🧊 Storage Tips:
- Let the onions cool completely before storing them.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze in small portions and re-crisp in the oven when needed.
✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Onions:
- Even slicing is key; thin and uniform slices crisp up evenly.
- Keep the heat medium: too hot and they’ll burn; too low and they’ll turn soggy.
- To preserve texture and temperature, fry in small quantities.
- You can also bake or air fry with a light spray of oil for a healthier version.
